This comes as yet another road closure has been implemented to allow for urgent repair work and to ensure the safety of all road users. The municipality has issued a warning to residents, motorists, businesses, and road users that the entrance to Walter Sisulu Street (formerly Church Street) from Dr Nelson Mandela Drive (N12) has been temporarily closed following the collapse of a stormwater drain.

“Following an investigation conducted by the municipality’s roads and stormwater team, it was established urgent repairs are required to address the damaged stormwater infrastructure and ensure the continued safety of road users. The road closure will allow the team unhindered access to the site to carry out the necessary repair work,” said JB Marks spokesperson Jeanette Tshite.

Tshite said the municipality’s team expects the repair work to be completed later on Wednesday (10/6), subject to favourable weather and site conditions. Motorists have been advised to use the alternative route via Sol Plaatjie Avenue and New Market Street and to exercise caution when travelling near the affected area.

The municipality apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked the public for its cooperation and patience while the necessary repairs were being undertaken. 

For years, the municipality has struggled to address the deterioration of critical infrastructure. Notices relating to recurring water outages, electricity interruptions, and road closures to repair potholes have become commonplace.

OFM News previously reported on several planned water pump maintenance projects across the municipality, which often resulted in frustration among residents. 

These frustrations have also prompted calls for the merged Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp local municipalities to be separated.

Residents have cited poor service delivery, financial constraints, fraud, and corruption as key concerns. They argue that Potchefstroom inherited Ventersdorp’s financial difficulties following the merger.

These challenges continue to hamper the municipality’s ability to deliver quality basic services and achieve the objectives envisaged in the local government legislative framework.

Named after anti-apartheid struggle icon JB Marks, the municipality has faced ongoing criticism over governance and service delivery issues. Public frustration has, at times, boiled over into violent protests, with residents taking to the streets to express their anger and dissatisfaction with conditions in the ANC-led municipality.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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